The Film Daily (1933)

Intimate in Character International in Scope Independent in Thought The Daily Newspaper Of Motion Pictures Now Fifteen Years Old VOL. LAI, NO. 1 NEW yCCr, TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 1933 » CENTS Production Dates Set on 25 Para. Films to May 22 EDUCATIONAL-W.W. IS SET TO USE NEW CONTRACT Warners Ask Exhibs' Help in Picking Future Stars Super Theaters . . and what the public wants By Don Carle Gillette SUPER-SHOWMANSHIP having gone the limit architecturally and mechanically speaking, the theater wizard of the next generation '" be the man who can do a paying bus ills ai free of as 3 n.c. icnt. : Garden, the Polo Ground; ■iroof that vou .ries and staircase' rrowds when you have the show. ■r, gaudy palaces to house enleiuirvnenf, showmen Sink fortunes into property that has value only as long as it is a gjing concern — and it changes from a going concern to a heavy liability the minute it hasn't the stage and screen product that interests sufficient persons. Furtiermore, the more elaborate the house, the more difficult for the show to stand out by comparison. What audiences really want in a theater has been pretty clearly defined. They want to be thrilled with daring, shocked with horror, intrigued with suspense, rocked with laughter and moved emotionally until they sniff and cry. Laughs, thrills and tears are the fundamental commodities of the theater, and neither bigness, comfort, splendor nor liveried service will fill the void that is left if these essentials are not supplied. Human interest is the big noise. Thar's why the masses get more enjoyment Ok* of seeing the eternal triangle expounded for the fen thousandth time than out of watching troupes of Greek dancers doing their daily dozen. There has been a tendency, in recent years, to overlook this imperative principle. Some showmen have sought to dazzle audiences with architectural opulence instead of satisfying them with entertainment. They have tried to make the theater, instead of the show, the thing. But it just won't work. Any more than a gold-plated radio set will keep folks in the home parlor if the programs coming over the air are punk Reactions of Public to Be Obtained Through Theater Men Cooperation from exhibitors in picking future star talent will be sought under a new plan just launched by Warners. Exhibitors throughout the country are being asked to get the reactions of the picture-g^'re public to fVl° players wh< {Continued on Pagt 8) ■2 mmwm IN CERMANYT TEN BEST" Berlin (By Cable) — Results of Der Deutsch's newspaper poll on the best pictures of 1932 include six American features, the full list being: "Dreaming Youth" (German film starring Elisabeth Bergner), "Croix de Bois" (French), "Grand Hotel," "Shanghai Express," "A Nous La Liberte" (French), "Susan Lenox," "The Champ," "Movie Crazy," "Scarface" and "Yorck" (German). Expect Brookhart Bill To Come Up Within Week Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Senator Brookhart is still confined in Walter Reed Hospital. His film industry bill, which is about 15th on the Senate calendar, will be brought up for consideration upon his return whirh is expected to be within a week, it was said at his office Saturday. Add Momentous Problems Extract from the minutes of the latest RKO cabinet meeting: "RADIO CITY: Big opposition for this new center for the shoe shine privileges in the RKO office building. Several bootblacks were trying to muscle in on Garibaldi's territory, and the RKO Cabinet rose to a man and accorded the privilege to "Garry," who has had the concession in the Palace and Bond Buildings for many years. ANTI-TAX SFNTIMENT GAINS IN WASHINGTON Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — There is a growing feeling on Capitol Hill among senators and congressmen that if the budget is to be balanced by a manufacturer's tax or a sales tax, the tax on admissions and checks will be repealed since neither of these netted the revenue expected of them. Some agitation to this effect was voiced before the House Committee on Ways and Means, where tax legislation originates. Four Stage Adaptations Going in Work at M-G-M West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Foui* stage play adaptations will be started on the M-GM studios immediately after the New Year. They are "The Devil Passes," "Turn to the Right," "Another Language" and "Reunion in Vienna." Agreement , With Appeal Board, Will Be Made Available Feu 1 ' Educational-World V formed President M. A. the M. P. T. 0. A. that il the new standard ex' tract, including the v bitration system embr tional appeal board. a\ b Feb. 15. Both Paramount G-M are expected to off' ing agreement at the dat**. Sidney R. Kent. ;n a re at Charlotte, indicated 1 have the contract ready i EXTENSIOOTllT PI IN PROSPECT FOR Quality of product tur independent producers \ Fox and Paramount prove an important deteri tor in the 1933 developn production policy. Indus focused on Jesse L. La Schulberg, Charles R. other producers who ar< their own units, aci tribution heads in New "l bre of their pictures will major companies as the feasibility of decentral! production control. Starting Dates are Scheduled On 25 Para. Films to May 22 Exclusives at 25c Locw's Midland. Kansas City, and Loew's in Providence, are playing exclusive runs at 25 cents. The Film Daily Year Book is the Standard Reference Book of the Industry— Advt. West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY II '.ilvwood — -In addition to half a dona features just launched, the Paramount studio has prod ichedoled 01 ■I now and May 22, "Under the Tonto Rim," Maurice (Continued on Page 8) La Marcus Benn Assl Low Admission Philadelphia — Low adrr ■ alis charged by local erations, neighborhood a assailed by Marci of Benn Theaters, in a at»l sued yesterday. Marcus said: "It is a shame and (Continued on Page 8) It's Movies' Fault Again! Kansas City — Charles Nelson, iiiktr at loll, Kan., took a prisoner fo the movies the other nietif at a last bit of recreation before the man went fo tt»e tfat« penitrntivy to serve two yc«" The Ijilrr became so Interested h didn't notice that his prisoner got up. walked out and escaped.